News - Mass & Prayer Schedule/Resources RSS Feed

The traditional Ember Days of fasting for Advent are Wed., Fri., and Sat., Dec. 17, 19, and 20. While a fast is not obligatory, it is a worthy traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on one or more of these days.

A developer is proposing to build a 12-story building directly behind the Basilica that would completely overshadow our campus and block the light coming in through our Tiffany stained glass windows, and the deep foundation of the tall building would threaten the Basilica's structural integrity. The Regional Planning Agency voted to defer; the next hearing will be Jan. 12, 2026. Basilica parishioners are encouraged to represent the importance of the Basilica in Chattanooga by contacting the RPA and the City Council and attending future hearings. Click for details.

As we journey through Advent, may our hearts grow in hope, peace, joy, and love. Are you preparing the way of the Lord? Click to see our schedule of Advent events and devotions, and resources from our Diocese.

Our Christmas Masses include: a Vigil Mass in English at 5:30pm on Dec. 24 (prelude music at 5pm); Midnight Mass in Latin at 12am on Dec. 25 (prelude music at 11:30pm Dec. 24), Christmas Day English Mass at 10am, and Spanish Mass at 12pm. On January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day of obligation, we will have three Masses: 12pm English, 6pm Latin, and 8pm Spanish. Click for details.

The men of Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Jude have started an inter-parish Bible study at 6:30pm every Friday. The group meets at the St. Jude Library, and men from all parishes are invited. The group is discussing scriptural apologetics in order to give a defense of the faith. Click for info.

The Basilica’s new Servant of God Library for adults is now open for browsing and borrowing books ranging from Theology to Fiction, at the end of the hallway by the elevators. We have over 800 books in the collection, the majority of them donated by the parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul; it can truly be called a "community library."

Bishop Beckman has responded to the request of the universal Church to implement Traditionis Custodes in the Diocese of Knoxville. Beginning Nov. 23, 2025, the 11:30 Latin Mass at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will be celebrated according to the Latin edition of the 2002 Roman Missal, with the most traditional options that the current rubrics allow. Click to read Fr. Carter's Pastoral Letter, Bishop Beckman's letter to the faithful, and details about the form of celebration of the 11:30 Mass.

Our 2025-26 Annual Stewardship Appeal is to support the regular operation of our parish through Offertory giving. We are aiming for 100% participation in our Offertory by all parishioners. The pledge will be conducted during Mass on October 25 & 26. (Click to view and submit the pledge on our Stewardship page at any time.) Thank you for your generous support for our parish.

We are starting a new Vocations Ministry at the Basilica, and the first effort of this ministry is parish-wide prayer for new vocations to the priesthood. Click here for a first look at our new Vocations Ministry and the prayer we will be praying together.

The Men's Discernment Group is for men who are interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. Hosted by Father Mark Schuster every fourth Saturday of the month at 9am in JPII conference room at the Chancery. If you are interested, fill out the form (click here) or email [email protected]. Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area. If you know someone who might have a calling, please invite them to this opportunity to discern God's call. Interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/CmSwudiVnf

This past spring, our parish participated in the Disciple Maker Index survey, along with other parishes of the Diocese of Knoxville. Click to read some insights and a detailed report of results. Many thanks to all who participated in the Disciple Maker Index survey. The insights gained from this survey are already helping Fr. Carter to plan for our future.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of William "Bill" Henry Henderson III, 74, who passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Bill is survived by his wife, Corinne (Chair of the Basilica's Finance Council); his brother, Doug Henderson of Austin, Texas; his children, Scot Henderson, Robyn (Garrison) Elder, Mills Simon (one of the Basilica's livestream technicians), and Julia (Bo) Ray; and his three beloved grandchildren, Georgia Grace Elder, Stallings Elder, and Tinsley Ray. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 am at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Click here to read Bill's obituary.

All parishioners are invited to support our Youth Ministry by cooking or delivering a dinner or donating toward the weekly cost ($200-$300). Sign up to sponsor a Wed. 6pm dinner here: MEAL TRAIN for Youth Group Wednesday Meetings www.TakeThemAMeal.com/ENTU6526

Registration is open for our OCIA programs for Becoming Catholic, as well as Religious Education for preK through 12th grade; Youth Group for 6th through 12th grade; and Youth Schola for 2nd grade and up. VOLUNTEERS are needed in these programs in various roles. Click for more info.

Our Adult Faith Formation Book Club will begin studying Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen starting Sept. 9, with the option to attend Tuesdays from 6-8pm or Wednesdays from 9-11am in the St. Dominic Building.

Men's Bible Study: Iron Sharpens Iron: Saturdays at 2pm, beginning Sept. 6, 2025 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 313 Sylvan St., Chattanooga, TN 37405. Click for info and sign-up.

Our Basilica Adult Faith Formation ministry offers the Deacon’s Table / All Things Catholic class most every Sunday from 10:15-11:15 in the McConnell Room. The class is currently viewing the 6-week video series, The Hidden King: The Jewish Roots of St. Joseph, by Dr. Brant Pitre. Our next study will be on the Sacraments.

Bishop Beckman has made several priest assignments in the Diocese. One change affects the Basilica. Fr. Hendershott will depart July 1 to discern a vocation as a religious order priest with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Fr. Matthew Donahue, currently at OLPH, will begin serving as parochial vicar of the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul and chaplain of the UTC Catholic Center, in addition to continuing at the Tribunal with his new role as Adjutant Judicial Vicar. Please pray for both priests as they begin their new assignments.

The Diocese of Knoxville has sent Seminarian Eli Holt to the Basilica this summer. He will be serving at Mass and participating in our activities. Please welcome Eli when you see him, and pray for his vocation. Click to read his vocation story.

Knights of Columbus Council 610 is offering a special Father's Day gift of one year of free membership. You can claim this free gift or give it to a loved one. You may also join other Knights and their families at the Basilica Sun., June 15 at 10:30am for a prayer of consecration to the Holy Family.